Year of EU entry: 1981 Capital city: Athens Total area: 131 957 km² Population: 11.2 million Currency: Member of the eurozone since 2001 (€) Schengen area: Member of the Schengen area since 1992
Greece
Detailed map - click on the map
Yia’sou
GEOGRAPHY
Located near the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Greece forms the southern extremity of the Balkan peninsula in south-east Europe. Its territory includes more than 2 000 islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas, of which only around 165 are inhabited. Mount Olympus is the highest point in the country.
POLITICS
Modern Greece has a republican structure based on the constitution of 1975. The 300 members of the single-chamber parliament are elected for a period of four years. The country is divided into 13 administrative regions.
HISTORY
Greece is one of the cradles of European civilisation, whose ancient scholars made great advances in philosophy, medicine, mathematics and astronomy. Their city-states were pioneers in developing democratic forms of government. The historical and cultural heritage of Greece continues to resonate throughout the modern world - in literature, art, philosophy and politics.
ECONOMY
More than 50% of Greek industry is located in the Greater Athens area, the main economic sectors being agriculture, tourism, construction and shipping.
FAMOUS PEOPLE
The best-known contemporary Greeks include the film-maker Kostas Gavras, the Nobel Prize winner Odysseus Elitis and composer Mikis Theodorakis.
FOOD AND DRINK Greek cuisine is based on goat meat and mutton. Fish dishes are also popular. Olive oil, which is produced in large quantities, adds to the distinctive taste of Greek food.
TOP 10 SIGHTS - as researched by German pupils
Nr. 1 - Santorini
Santorini is a volcanic Island that is famous for the stunning sunsets. The capital of Santorini, Fira, has a lot of streets bustle with shops, cafes, hotels and tavernas. The cliffs are 400 meter high, so you better be careful!
Nr. 2 - Parthenon, Acropolis
One of the most famous tourist attractions is the 'Parthenon' on top of Acropolis - A visit to Athens means a visit to this temple.
The construction of Parthenon started in 447 BC and replaced an older temple that was destroyed by Persians. It was finished in 432 BC.
Nr. 3 - Mykonos
Mykonos, also known as a cosmopolitan destination, is widely recognized as one of the best tourist attractions in Greece. Chora, Mykonos Town, has tiny streets and sandy beaches. You definitely won't forget the amazing nightlife, because you will be served with a great amount of bars and clubs.
Nr. 4 - Metéora
Metéora consists of six monasteries on top of several rock pillars in central Greece. The first monastery was founded in the 14th century. At that time, it was quite difficult to access the monasteries because it required either large neds or long ladders.
Nr. 5 - Delphi Theatre
Delphi was the most important site in ancient Greek religion. It was home for the sanctuary and oracle of Apollo and originally built in the 4th and could seat 5,000 people. The Theatre was built on a hill which gives you a great view of the entire sanctuary and landscape.
Nr. 6 - Myrtos Beach
In the north-west of Kefalonia you will find Myrtos Beach, famous for it's beautifully coloured sea and white marble pebbles. It's not a surprise that this is said to be the best beach in Greece!
Nr. 7 - Samariá Gorge
Samariá Gorge is a 10 miles long canyon in south-west Crete. It may take you several hours to pass through the forests of ancient cypresses and pines between cliffs through the mountains. Samariá Gorge is really popular and more than a quarter million tourists come here every year.
Nr. 8 - Kardamili
Kardamili is a beautiful seaside village in Mani, a region in southern Peloponnese. The splendid sunsets and calm seas make Kardamili to one of the best-kepts 'secrets' because it's a small yet exclusive village with enchanting stone masionettes for anyone.
Nr. 9 - Mount Athos
Mount Athos is a mountain and a peninsula in northern Greece. The peninsula houses 1,400 monks in 20 eastern orthodox monasteries and the extraordinary thing about this is that only males are allowed to enter Mount Athos and therefore, it is strictly controlled.
Nr. 10 - Athens
Last but not least, you should take a long stop at Greece's largest city and capital: Athens! It may be the city with the most magnificent history in the world, worshipped by gods and people. With 7 districts, mediterraenean climate and a lot of famous sights and attractions, Athens make you want to go to each and every corner of this gorgeus, history-packed city.
Ten Top Holiday Places in Greece - as researched by German pupils
Crete – the most famous islands, 8000km2 , 600 000 inhabitants
The Cyclades - only a part of this group is inhabited constantly
The Dodecanese – this island consists of 160 islands, they are in the south of Greece.
Athens – the capital of Greece, 745 000 inhabitants, 38 km2. It’s often very hot (up to 45 degrees Celsius) between July and September. There are many sights.
Thessaloniki – once a “European Capital of Culture”, the second largest city of Greece.
Piraeus – port city within the Athens urban area, 175 000 inhabitants, largest passenger port in Europe, famous ship museum
Heraklion/ Iraklion – the capital of Crete, 4th largest city in Greece, ruins of Knossos nearby
Santorini – southernmost member of the Cyclades, volcanic, famous for its white-washed houses
Mykonos– part of the Cyclades
Lindos – on the island of Rhodes, in the Dodacenese, archeological site
The 12 Greek Gods of Olympus
Zeus: was the supreme Olympian God of Greek mythology and more powerful than anyother Greek Gods together.
Hera: was the wife and sister of Zeusat the same time in the Greek mythology.
Poseidon: was the God of the sea and brother of Zeus.
Hades: was the God of the dead and ruler of the underworld, also called Hades.
Athene: was the God of wisdom, strategy and struggle, art, crafts and handwork and namesake and patron God of the Greek city of Athens.
Apollon: was the God of light, of healing, of spring,of moral purityand moderation, as well as the prophecy and the arts, especially music, poetry and song, he was also the God of archers.
Artemis: was the God of the hunt, the forest and the guardian of women and children.
Aphrodite: was theGod of love, beauty and sensual desire.
Hermes: was the patron God of the traffic of travellers, merchants and herdsmen on the other hand also the God of thieves, the art dealer, theoratory, the gym and therefore of magic. Also he was the messenger of the father God Zeus.
Ares: was the God of terrible war, the carnage and massacre.
Hephaistos: was the God of fire and the forge.
Hestia Dionysos: was theGod of the family and state hearth, and the hearth fire victims.
Year of EU entry: 1981
Capital city: Athens
Total area: 131 957 km²
Population: 11.2 million
Currency: Member of the eurozone since 2001 (€)
Schengen area: Member of the Schengen area since 1992
Detailed map - click on the map
Yia’sou
GEOGRAPHY
Located near the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Greece forms the southern extremity of the Balkan peninsula in south-east Europe. Its territory includes more than 2 000 islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas, of which only around 165 are inhabited. Mount Olympus is the highest point in the country.
POLITICS
Modern Greece has a republican structure based on the constitution of 1975. The 300 members of the single-chamber parliament are elected for a period of four years. The country is divided into 13 administrative regions.
HISTORY
Greece is one of the cradles of European civilisation, whose ancient scholars made great advances in philosophy, medicine, mathematics and astronomy. Their city-states were pioneers in developing democratic forms of government. The historical and cultural heritage of Greece continues to resonate throughout the modern world - in literature, art, philosophy and politics.
ECONOMY
More than 50% of Greek industry is located in the Greater Athens area, the main economic sectors being agriculture, tourism, construction and shipping.
FAMOUS PEOPLE
The best-known contemporary Greeks include the film-maker Kostas Gavras, the Nobel Prize winner Odysseus Elitis and composer Mikis Theodorakis.
FOOD AND DRINK
Greek cuisine is based on goat meat and mutton. Fish dishes are also popular. Olive oil, which is produced in large quantities, adds to the distinctive taste of Greek food.
TOP 10 SIGHTS - as researched by German pupils
Nr. 1 - Santorini
Santorini is a volcanic Island that is famous for the stunning sunsets. The capital of Santorini, Fira, has a lot of streets bustle with shops, cafes, hotels and tavernas. The cliffs are 400 meter high, so you better be careful!
Nr. 2 - Parthenon, Acropolis
One of the most famous tourist attractions is the 'Parthenon' on top of Acropolis - A visit to Athens means a visit to this temple.
The construction of Parthenon started in 447 BC and replaced an older temple that was destroyed by Persians. It was finished in 432 BC.
Nr. 3 - Mykonos
Mykonos, also known as a cosmopolitan destination, is widely recognized as one of the best tourist attractions in Greece. Chora, Mykonos Town, has tiny streets and sandy beaches. You definitely won't forget the amazing nightlife, because you will be served with a great amount of bars and clubs.
Nr. 4 - Metéora
Metéora consists of six monasteries on top of several rock pillars in central Greece. The first monastery was founded in the 14th century. At that time, it was quite difficult to access the monasteries because it required either large neds or long ladders.
Nr. 5 - Delphi Theatre
Delphi was the most important site in ancient Greek religion. It was home for the sanctuary and oracle of Apollo and originally built in the 4th and could seat 5,000 people. The Theatre was built on a hill which gives you a great view of the entire sanctuary and landscape.
Nr. 6 - Myrtos Beach
In the north-west of Kefalonia you will find Myrtos Beach, famous for it's beautifully coloured sea and white marble pebbles. It's not a surprise that this is said to be the best beach in Greece!
Nr. 7 - Samariá Gorge
Samariá Gorge is a 10 miles long canyon in south-west Crete. It may take you several hours to pass through the forests of ancient cypresses and pines between cliffs through the mountains. Samariá Gorge is really popular and more than a quarter million tourists come here every year.
Nr. 8 - Kardamili
Kardamili is a beautiful seaside village in Mani, a region in southern Peloponnese. The splendid sunsets and calm seas make Kardamili to one of the best-kepts 'secrets' because it's a small yet exclusive village with enchanting stone masionettes for anyone.
Nr. 9 - Mount Athos
Mount Athos is a mountain and a peninsula in northern Greece. The peninsula houses 1,400 monks in 20 eastern orthodox monasteries and the extraordinary thing about this is that only males are allowed to enter Mount Athos and therefore, it is strictly controlled.
Nr. 10 - Athens
Last but not least, you should take a long stop at Greece's largest city and capital: Athens! It may be the city with the most magnificent history in the world, worshipped by gods and people. With 7 districts, mediterraenean climate and a lot of famous sights and attractions, Athens make you want to go to each and every corner of this gorgeus, history-packed city.
Ten Top Holiday Places in Greece - as researched by German pupils
The 12 Greek Gods of Olympus
http://europa.eu/about-eu/countries/member-countries/greece/index_en.htm